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Access to a better education just got easier
for 199 low-income families in Cameron County who are getting free
computers and internet-based classroom training.
Officials at Cameron Works, which is funding
the In Home Learning System, said the goal of the program is to
improve people’s workforce skills and help them get a good
paying job.
Installation of the first thirty (30) In Home
Learning Systems, which are customized computers for workforce
training participants, will begin Thursday and continues thru Saturday.
Cameron Works is paying about $800,000 for the software, testing,
installation, and customization.
Business Access, the Dallas company that donates
and installs the computers systems, will be in Cameron County this
week to install the computers. The goals of the program are to
introduce technology as a tool for life-long learning, gain immediate
work skills to increase levels of pay and job retention.
Dyalan Beamon, Business Development Manager
of Business Access, said the In Home Learning Systems offered an
increased use of technology that will benefit individuals’ lives
(convenience, training, exploration) and more people with working
with higher wages. “When Cameron Works puts a computer in
someone’s home, they’re instantly connected to a world
of possibilities,” Beamon said. “They can take an online
class, look for a higher-paying job, help their kids with homework,
and keep in touch with friends and family. The Internet is for
everyone, and once people learn to use it, the computer is no longer
a scary machine – it’s a tool they can use to realize
their dreams.”
Stella Garcia, Executive Director of
Cameron Works, said there is no cost for the families. “They
must commit to using the computer and to stay in the program,” Garcia
said. “They earn ownership of the PC when customized individual
curriculum is complete. The entire family is welcomed and encouraged
to use the PC and get e-mail accounts and access to the site
as well.”
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